Risk And Reward: A Note On Progressive Surfing

“I think you have to be ready to break your leg if you want to land a proper air.”

We’re hovering over a screen looking at photos from Rocky Point a few hours ago and at first, I laugh. This is the first time I’ve met 17-year-old Kael Walsh and there is currently no link in my mind between progressive surfing and fractured bone.

“No,” he says. “I’m serious.”

As the photos from Rockies continue to light up the screen, I realize just how serious he is — the kid surfs without a tinge of fear. He’s recklessly confident, hucking himself into the flats on big, heavy chunks of ocean. Simply put, he surfs like he’s invisible — probably because he’s willing to break to shatter some limbs in order to get a clip.

Here are a few photos for proof — look for a clip on Kael’s time in Hawaii to drop in a few months.